Hi, does anyone have experience with/advice for caring for a bunny with a jaw fracture? My Cooper has been at the vet since last night, after our dog somehow knocked the baby gate on him. Poor little guy . Needless to say, the whole family freaked out. And that scream. I'll never forget it. We rushed him to the emergency vet where he was treated for shock. Today they're going to call to talk about his jaw. I've read a lot about how surgery may NOT be the way to go, but I have no experience with this sort of thing. As this was an emergency and at night, we had to take him to the nearest emergency vet. We've never had any bunny injuries or illness before, and this pair is only a few months old. This was not the vet I have picked out for my rabbits, and I'm not sure exactly how bunny savvy he is. They do treat exotic animals there, and he's the vet that sees them. The receptionist said they have rabbits in there all the time, but I guess I'm just worried. Any thoughts? Advice? Anyone with previous experience?

Sarita(Dallas)

18870 posts

9/05/2012 6:23 AM

Oh no! I guess you will have to get a head radiograph to see how the jaw was damaged first and really see what the vet suggests once he can assess the damage.

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/05/2012 6:36 AM

Thanks. I called when they opened and they said he won't be in until 10am (Pacific Time), but that Cooper is stable and the vet will call me when he gets there.

Ok, the vet called and said that Cooper is much better today, moving around a bit, but still showing signs of a concussion. Not eating, which he said is common with head trauma. (I thought rabbits can't go without food though?) He didn't mention the jaw. He said he suggests continuing the treatment he's giving him and that I call back tomorrow.

Sarita(Dallas)

18870 posts

9/05/2012 7:41 AM

Are they trying to syringe feed him? I think the vet is just trying to say that not having an appetite is common, he's probably not suggesting that Cooper doesn't need to eat. I would call and ask since he's not eating on his own, if they are syringe feeding him (surely they must be).

bullrider76543Joplin MO

1291 posts

9/05/2012 7:47 AM

OMG poor baby, Sending healing prayers your way!!!

RabbitPamSouth Florida

Forum Leader

10987 posts

9/05/2012 8:02 AM

What a terrible ordeal, but I'm glad he's so much better today. Since you mentioned having a vet you like that is a rabbit savvy expert, I would suggest calling that vet and telling her (?) about what happened. Ask her if she thinks Cooper is being treated in a way that is warranted, and if she has any suggestions or thoughts for you to keep in mind. In other words, a second opinion. You can explain that you are confident in them for an emergency, but just want either reassurance, or the option of getting Cooper the best, timely care possible. A phone call never hurts. (You shouldn't worry about hurting the ER vet's feelings. this is too important.)

Rainbow Girl Samantha Bunnykins passes the carrot to Spike the Ghost.

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/05/2012 8:32 AM

Thanks everyone. Yes, I called the vet to make sure he's being syringe fed and he said they're not syringe feeding him yet, just giving him fluids right now because he doesn't want to mess with his jaw. I'm calling the other vet to make sure that's what they'd do.

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/05/2012 10:35 AM

OK, so I talked to the vet practice that I like that has bunny experience. She said the ER vet I took Cooper to isn't one they recommend when they're too busy, and she wasn't aware that they dealt with exotics. The girl I spoke with was a tech, not the vet, but she suggested I bring Cooper in, because she thinks he should be syringe fed at this point. The vet was with a client and not available for me to speak to. I just don't know if moving him at this point is the best option. Maybe if I wait until tomorrow, if he's more stable? Eeesh!

RabbitPamSouth Florida

Forum Leader

10987 posts

9/05/2012 11:35 AM

I would definitely talk to the vet herself, tonight if you can. I have seen many good vet techs, but some vet's receptionists give really bad advice unbeknownst to the vet, and in this case, there is no substitute for the doctor's opinion. Ask if she'll call you tonight and if she agrees with the suggestion and evaluation of the current ER. You do not want to put Cooper in any unnecessary pain, from moving or from a premature syringe. I didn't think he was home with you and available to bring anywhere else, so you want to be sure it's a good idea. That said, you can probably transfer him to your own vet tomorrow if it's safe and the best thing for him. You vet might want to call them directly to ask about his condition for taking over his long term care.

Rainbow Girl Samantha Bunnykins passes the carrot to Spike the Ghost.

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/05/2012 12:25 PM

No, he's still at the ER vet, not at home. They wanted me to call in the morning, but I was contemplating picking him up and taking him to the other vet if she suggested it. Left her a message, so we'll see!

bullrider76543Joplin MO

1291 posts

9/05/2012 12:41 PM

You are sooooooo taking this better then I could I would be going out of my mind on the phone every few minutes!!!!

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/05/2012 1:16 PM

Ha! I've already called the ER vet 3 times and the other vet twice. I think the front desk people are getting REALLY sick of me. The Dr. where he's being treated now just keeps telling me to "call in the morning to check on him and we'll talk again."

bullrider76543Joplin MO

1291 posts

9/05/2012 1:26 PM

argh so frusterating!! dont they realize they are just like our children!!!

jerseygirlAustralia

Forum Leader

18402 posts

9/05/2012 8:53 PM

Posted By Paige on 09/05/2012 03:16 PM. The Dr. where he's being treated now just keeps telling me to "call in the morning to check on him and we'll talk again."

That would leave me pretty annoyed. I hope you hear from your own vet soon. If they advise moving him it might be an idea to have them call the e clinic too. So you don't have problems getting him.

Major (((vibes))) for your bunny!

Whoever says "It's only a rabbit" has obviously never loved a rabbit.

LittlePuffyTailNew Brunswick, Canada

Forum Leader

14869 posts

9/06/2012 1:48 AM

I'm sorry to hear about your bunny's accident. I have no experience with fractures but want to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery to Cooper.

Proud to be a Bunny Hugger and a voice for the voiceless

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/06/2012 6:29 AM

Thank you all for your thoughts, helpfulness and good vibes. I called the vet early this morning and they just got back to me to let me know that he just passed away. Binky free Cooper. We love and will miss you always.

bullrider76543Joplin MO

1291 posts

9/06/2012 6:39 AM

AWWWW I am so sorry for your loss... Binkey free Cooper...My heart has joined the thousand, for my friend stoped running today...

LittlePuffyTailNew Brunswick, Canada

Forum Leader

14869 posts

9/06/2012 9:38 AM

I'm so very sorry that he didn't make it. My heart goes out to you.

(((((Binky Free Cooper)))))))

Proud to be a Bunny Hugger and a voice for the voiceless

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/06/2012 10:22 AM

Thank you again for your support. People that aren't animal/bunny lovers don't understand our grief. It's true that they are part of our family. We're picking him up this afternoon to bury him. <3

jerseygirlAustralia

Forum Leader

18402 posts

9/06/2012 10:42 AM

Oh gosh I'm really sorry. It's been an ordeal for you all. I hope his little bunny friend doesn't fret to much without him. He's free of pain. Binky Free little Cooper!

I'm so sorry. Did the vet say what they think happened? I thought he was stable?

(((Binky free Cooper!)))

Meadow.....
...... Max, my angel bunny

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/07/2012 6:31 AM

That's what confuses us too. The vet that I spoke with wasn't the same one I'd been dealing with previously in their group of doctors, so I'm not sure how familiar she was with Cooper's situation; but she just said that bunny's are fragile and things happen very quickly. What makes me really sad is, I don't think they ever syringe fed him, because that wasn't mentioned on my itemized bill, and I wonder if that's why he didn't make it. Needless to say, I won't be going back there if Alice (Coop's sister) ever has any issues.

Sarita(Dallas)

18870 posts

9/07/2012 6:43 AM

It is possible that he may not have been able to have been syringe fed...especially not really knowing the extent of the jaw injury. I would ask the vet to show you where the jaw was fractured and maybe help you to understand why they were unable to syringe feed him.

RobertaWanneroo, Western Australia

4307 posts

9/07/2012 6:55 AM

The one thing I have found with all my vets for all my animals is they never invoice for food..... even special food.

PaigeLas Vegas, NV

13 posts

9/07/2012 8:44 AM

Hmmm....I think my vet usually does, but maybe that's only for boarding. Besides well-checks and shots and boarding (dogs) we're never really there. Thanks Sarita. I may ask, but I may just leave it alone at this point. We buried Coop yesterday. The front desk people were very sweet, but the vets seem hurried or put out by my questions. I'll just ask my regular vet if they recommend someone else closer to me in case of another bunny emergency. Again, thank you all for your empathy and kindness.

BBSan Francisco Area

Forum Leader

8930 posts

9/07/2012 10:06 PM

I am so sorry! How painful for you all. I can't believe the vet acted put out by your questions especially after what you went through - that is inexcusable. I am so sorry you even had to deal with that.